The typical academic conference is set up in such a way that attendees are always rushing from one presentation to the next, with barely any time to process ideas before moving on, and struggling to find meaningful connections amidst the noise. This frantic pace leaves little room for reflection, deep learning, or genuine relationship-building. We’ve simply agreed that packing 1000+ people into a warehouse over three days is a good way to learn and connect, and accepted the associated academic conference fatigue as the price we have to pay.
Communities as conferences
Communities, both online and in-person, offer an alternative to the traditional conference model. By fostering continuous, asynchronous engagement, communities provide the time and space for thoughtful reflection and in-depth conversations that conferences often lack. They free us from the constraints of rigid schedules and vendor-filled halls, instead creating spaces for deeper, more meaningful connection.
By embracing communities, we open ourselves to more sustainable and enriching forms of professional growth that align more closely with the contemplative nature of academic work. For example, what would a conference feel like if it was designed as a retreat instead?
Avoiding conference fatigue
I understand that there are practical considerations that make it difficult to completely abandon the traditional conference format. However, there are some choices we can make to help avoid conference fatigue. If you’re involved in any kind of conference or seminar organisation, here are some suggestions to help create a different kind of environment at the meeting:
- Incorporate time for reflection: Schedule dedicated periods for quiet reflection after each session or presentation
- Limit concurrent sessions: Reduce the number of parallel tracks to minimise the pressure of constant decision-making
- Implement “slow learning” tracks: Design session series that build upon each other, allowing for deeper exploration of topics
- Create community spaces: Set up comfortable areas for informal conversations and networking
- Organise outdoor walks in nature (if possible): Including outdoor activities or walks between sessions is a great way to encourage conversation and deeper engagement
- Limit vendor presence: Reduce the emphasis on exhibition halls and create more spaces for peer-to-peer interaction
- End with action planning: Conclude the conference with sessions focused on applying insights to attendees’ work and research
The typical academic conference suffers from a frantic pace that hinders deep learning and meaningful connections. There are alternatives to this format, including community-based models, unconferences, and retreats. Even with traditional conference models, there are practical modifications that can combat academic conference fatigue. These include dedicated reflection time, fewer concurrent sessions, “slow learning” tracks, and more informal networking spaces. These changes would create more sustainable and enriching professional development experiences that better align with the contemplative nature of academic work.
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